Pharmacy Q & A

A day in the life of pharmacist, Tshwarelo Ramalepe, Gauteng Region 4

Get to know your friendly MediRite pharmacist!

Q: Give us some insight into your daily work as a pharmacist?

A typical day consists of staff management, stock management, dispensing and counselling patients, offering pharmacist-initiated therapy, verifying prescriptions, preparing chronic medication for patients to collect, interacting with medical aid schemes for various queries, and overseeing the dispensary operations.

Q: What’s the most fulfilling part of your day?

The most fulfilling part of my day is seeing my patients leave the pharmacy smiling or satisfied because of the quality of service they received. Patients come to the pharmacy with various ailments or problems. Seeing them get the proper advice and treatment, saving a bit of money, and being treated with empathy is a major win for me.

Q: Can I take herbal remedies or vitamins with my prescription meds?

Please talk to your pharmacist or doctor before you take any of these to ensure that you have the right herbal remedy. Although some herbal remedies or vitamins are beneficial and work well with your prescription medication, some may also negatively interact with your medication, reducing its effectiveness. Some may even negatively affect your liver and kidneys.

Q: As we celebrate Women’s Day, can you share an important women’s health tip?

Take probiotics each day. Probiotics help to regulate your normal flora and digestion, boost your immune system, contribute to healthy skin, and maintain a healthy intimate area. Plus, eat a healthy balanced diet, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. Lastly, your mental health is important, so take care of it!

Q: Can PMS or menopause symptoms be treated with over-the-counter meds?

As the first point of contact for many patients, pharmacists can guide you through the variety of herbal remedies and vitamins to help balance your hormones and reduce symptoms of PMS or menopause. Speak to your pharmacist to find out which one suits your symptoms best. These remedies may not be as effective or fast-acting as prescription medication, so it's best to consult with your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms are severe.

Q: What’s the biggest mistake people make when taking over-the-counter medication?

These include taking the wrong dose or incorrect dosing frequency, sharing medication with others without advice from a healthcare professional, mixing OTC meds with home remedies, and taking medication for a longer or shorter period than recommended.

Please take your medication exactly as advised by your pharmacist to get the maximum benefits. Also, ask your pharmacist before sharing or adding any herbal remedies to your OTC meds.

Q: When should we see a doctor instead of treating something at home?

Please see a doctor when your symptoms worsen despite OTC or home treatment, when symptoms persist for long periods (depending on what you have), and when you have a fever you can’t break.

Q: Can people come to the pharmacy for basic health checks?

Yes. We offer a variety of health checks such as glucose testing, blood pressure testing, cholesterol testing, weight, height, waist circumference, and BMI checks at very affordable prices. These tests are also paid for by various medical aids using wellness funds.